Date:08/05/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/05/08/stories/2009050857052000.htm

Sport

Daredevils takes on Mumbai Indians

Doubts still remain on Zaheer Khan’s fitness; McGrath may get a look-in

— Photo: AP

GETTING READY: After cooling his heels so far in the tournament, Glenn McGrath may get a chance to play for Delhi Daredevils against Mumbai Indians on Friday.

East London (South Africa): It would be interesting to see Delhi Daredevils’ strategy for clinging to the slippery top spot when it takes on a win-hungry Mumbai Indians, eager to bounce back after two straight defeats, in the Indian Premier League (IPL) here on Friday.

With a new name adorning the No.1 position after almost every match, Delhi Daredevils, which climbed to the coveted position after trampling over whipping boys Kolkata Knight Riders by nine wickets, will have to up the ante when it takes on Sachin Tendulkar’s army for the first time in the tournament.

Delhi Daredevils have played the least number of ties (seven) but aggregated highest points (10) so far in the eight-team event that has already staged 34 of its 59 matches.

No easy going

But that Mumbai Indians put up a brave fight against Deccan Chargers on Wednesday is indication enough that it won’t be as easy as the previous match for Delhi Daredevils.

Barring a few lapses, Mumbai held its cards for most part in the game of dwindling fortunes. Mumbai Indians boast of an attacking opening pair of Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya, well supported by South African swashbuckler J.P. Duminy in the middle order.

Bowling impressive

Its bowling looks equally impressive with Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. However, it remains to be seen if pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, who is nursing a shoulder injury, gets fit for the match.

Among the youngsters, Dhawal Kulkarni and Pinal Shah also impressed against Deccan Chargers in the earlier match. But despite the impressive line-up, Mumbai Indians is second from bottom with just three wins from eight matches.

For Delhi Daredevils, its key batsman Gautam Gambhir, who also stood-in for an injured captain Virender Sehwag, was back among the runs after an indifferent start to the tournament.

Tillakaratne Dilshan also demonstrated his form in its last match against the hapless Kolkata Knight Riders. Delhi Daredevils may consider fielding Glenn McGrath in place of Dutch-born Dirk Nannes with Ashish Nehra, Amit Mishra and Pradeep Sangwan already doing well for the side. — PTI